Different empty palace counts may reflect different chart inputs or definitions. Confirm all primary stars are present, compare the Zi Wei anchor, and ask whether an app counts supporting stars when labeling a palace empty. Do not read the count as a life score.
An empty palace usually means no primary star, not an entirely blank palace. Check whether both apps use that definition and display the same supporting stars. Compare the full primary star layout and the Zi Wei anchor before borrowing an opposite palace interpretation.
List primary stars in all twelve palaces and compare each app's empty palace definition. Only after the layout agrees should the opposite palace be interpreted.